south american gay destinations
the two top destinations in south America for gay travelers are rio de janeiro, brazil, and buenos aires, argentina, but don't limit yourself to those locations. rio's gay area is around ipanema beach. the ipanema plaza hotel is located just a block off the beach and is a great location for a rio adventure. keep in mind that south america is in the southern hemisphere, so summers are the opposite of north american summers. this makes south america an ideal destination for those who want to escape to tropical breezes during the winter here. high season in rio is carnaval (February 2-5 in 2008) and new year's (the fireworks off copacabana beach are spectacular and usually pull 4-5 million spectators).
paraty, brasil
a few hours south of rio is paraty, an increasingly popular destination for gay travelers seeking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big city.
this quaint fishing village was a major shipping port for gold in the 1700s. today, the real gold can be found in the hearts of its residents and in its picturesque sunsets. the old part of town, with its whitewashed walls, cast iron balconies, and colorful shutters and doors, is a world away from the gray and steel of modern life while still maintaining all of the modern amenities. the area is also blocked to automotive traffic, with all deliveries and pick-ups done by mules and carriages.
buenos aires, argentina
the argentine capital is another destination that is becoming increasingly popular in the community. civil unions have been legal in the buenos aires and rio negro provinces since 2003, and this has created a gay-friendly atmosphere in this unique city.
buenos aires has a distinct european flavor and architecture, and the people are some of the most beautiful in the world. gay pride is celebrated here the first saturday of november and is an ideal time to visit this lively city. the alvear palace or the starwood properties park tower are ideal for some visitors to this vibrant city.
cuzco, peru
famous for both unrivaled natural beauty and fascinating archeological ruins, cuzco lures gay travelers looking for a historical experience. while it lacks a significant gay nightlife scene, this former capital of the Inca empire is a very progressive, fun, and funky city by south american standards, and gay couples are fairly common (at least in touristy places). visitors may be surprised to see the oft-shown rainbow incan flag.
two ever-welcoming establishments, both in the san blas neighborhood, are the witches' garden, owned by three gay men from new york, and the hip cafe macondo. take time to see the religious sacsayhuaman (pronounced "sexy woman") fortress site and the nearby ruins of machu picchu, as well as the luminous waters of lake titicaca farther to the southeast.
No comments:
Post a Comment